The Swiss company Micro (maker of the happy little Microlino electric bubble car) has just launched the production version of the Microlino Lite at the Geneva Motor Show. Its top speed is 45 km/h (28 mph), half that of the standard Microlino, but in some European countries it can be driven by anyone aged 14 or over with a moped license. Starting this summer, leasing for the entry-level model will cost 149 Swiss francs (approximately 156 euros or $169 USD) per month.
Although the Microlino Lite’s day-one target market is Europe, Micro spokesperson Merlin Ouboter said the Microlino Lite is eligible to be registered as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) in the United States and hopes to have the first Microlinos in the U.S. by the end of 2024.
Microcars like the Microlino Lite are aimed at urbanites who would never trade in a full-size car for an e-bike but are still looking for more convenient transportation in densely populated cities with narrow streets. You can fit about three microcars in the same space it takes to park one SUV, and they’re lightweight so use much less energy than a standard electric car. They’re perfect for city commutes to work, quick trips to the market, taking the kids to school, and transporting your pets to the dog park.
The Lite model shares the same steel unibody design as its big brother and measures 2.5m long (8ft 2in), 1.47m (4ft 10in) wide and 1.5m (4ft 11in) high with road Yuan weighs less than 600 kilograms (1,320 pounds). It has 6kW of power (9kW peak) and is classed as an L6e vehicle, meaning anyone with an AM class moped license can drive it in Europe.
With the base 5.5kWh battery, you can travel about 100 kilometers before needing to be recharged, up to 177 kilometers for those who opt for the larger 11kWh battery pack. The 5.5kWh battery pack can be charged from 0 to 80% via a 2.2kW Type 2 charger in about two hours, while the more powerful 11kWh battery takes about four hours. The two-seater microcar also comes with a sunroof and a surprisingly spacious 230-litre boot.
Prices start at CHF 149 (approximately €156 or $169) per month for a 48-month lease of 5,000 kilometers per year – that’s about double what some people pay for a Swapfiets e-bike, and less expensive than leasing a similar Biro Electric microcars are much less expensive. Pricing starts at 260€/month.
Like its more powerful sibling, the Microlino Lite is made in Turin, Italy, and is available in blue or anthracite gray with a choice of base or upgraded premium trim, featuring vegan leather, velor seats, side pockets, Bluetooth Speaker and smartphone holder.
Pre-orders start today, with delivery in “early summer.” While Micro hasn’t released a list of countries yet, it’s likely to be available only in Europe for now.
Updated February 26 at 7:55 a.m. ET: Added expected US availability for each Micro.